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Junk Drawer Robotics

In Book 1, Give Robots a Hand, you will explore the design and function of robotic arms, hands and grippers and build a robotic arm that really moves! In Book 2, Robots on the Move, you will design and build machines that roll, slide, draw or move underwater and explore robot mobility – movement, power transfer and locomotion. Book 3, Mechatronics, is all about the connection between the mechanical and electronic elements of robots and you will explore sensors, write programs, build circuits and design your own robot.

Try the Sample Activity

The Clipmobile Challenge is a sample activity taken from Module 1: Get Things Rolling of Book 2, Robots on the Move. In this activity, you learn how understanding friction and design can help you build more efficient machines.

Clipmobile Challenge

Junk Drawer Robotics Facilitator Resources

These resources will help you implement Junk Drawer Robotics and make science, engineering and technology engaging and meaningful in the lives of young people. The activities in Junk Drawer Robotics encourage youth to use the processes and approaches of science; the planning and conceptual design of engineering; and the application of technology in each module. Your role as a facilitator is to assist learners in developing their own knowledge and problem solving skills. This is done by bringing together a scientific inquiry and engineering design approach to learning. You assist youth in developing understanding by asking questions and prompting them to share and talk about their ideas, designs and results. You may also work with a team of teen presenters who enliven the activities they lead with their own experience and enthusiasm. In that case, you will mentor or coach the teen presenters by providing support, training and guidance as they lead the activities.

4-H Robotics Programming

4‑H Robotics is delivered through 4‑H clubs, camps, school enrichment, and after-school programs nationwide. Young people will engage in service learning and community service projects, develop leadership and citizenship skills, and develop numerous life skills taught in 4‑H clubs nationwide.